Stock price index a point away from 9,000

The local stock barometer surged to a new high on Tuesday---closing a hairline away from the 9,000 mark---as investors scooped up equities that fell following the report of slower-than-expected fourth quarter Philippine economic growth.
The main-share Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) added 48.4 points, or 0.54 percent, to close at 8,999.02, likewise drawing strength from upbeat regional markets.
The PSEi advanced for the third straight session and marked its fifth record finish this 2018. Since